My birds want out

[Crazy Birdlady]

My 6 week old chickens and such are ready to get out and explore, but we have 3 dogs and 2 cats that are new to country life. The dogs are extra excited to chase everything. Any suggestions on how to make this transition?

 

[Life is Good!]

Go to local hardware store. Get 5 't-posts', 1 roll of 100' 'garden' fencing, at least 36" tall.

Put 4 t-posts in a roughly circle shape. Roll out fencing. Adjust edges as needed. Where the 'flap' is going to be, place 5th t-post to create 'door'. Use wire twist ties (from grocery store or garbage bags) to attach fencing to posts - use 3 or 4 ties if needed to get around post.

This was secure enough for our chickens to be in during the day when they were 2wks old. If you use an oversized tub to carry the chickens back and forth to their play area, the tub doubles as a shady spot for them to hide under. I added a plastic 'side table' as additional shade and somewhere I could sit in there with them. Add water, feed, and they've got a playpen!

 

[Crazy Birdlady]

I have a temp day pen and a small coop that I creatively link during the day. I meant they want out to wander the yard and that is the goal. So what I'm trying to figure out is how to integrate into the yard without getting harmed. I have just learned that I have 4 roosters, one has already started acting a little aggressive. I might use a couple of them as my test birds. If you have any other ideas please let me know.